1/30/14

Kendrick Lamar is on the Latest cover of Jet Magazine. Says the mag: Bold dreams, a tremendous gift and a grounded sense of self lay the ideal foundation for any talent on the verge of superstar status. Enter Kendrick Lamar, hip-hop’s latest golden child, ready and able to change the game by not changing at all.

Three years ago Kendrick Lamar Duckworth had never traveled outside of the US. Two critically acclaimed independent albums, five Grammy nominations, and countless international shows later 26-year-old Lamar is a man of the world.

Despite his limited time on mainstream media’s radar, Lamar’s footing in the rap game is by no means of toddler status. Best described as a dude from but not of, the ’hood, as a youth, Lamar walked the streets of Compton daily only to return to a two-parent household. There, his flair for creative writing was cultivated and morphed into a penchant for penning lyrics. By 15, Lamar was a raw lyricist that needed guidance to hone his talent. The rapper linked up with high school friend, now music executive, Dave Free, who introduced him to a burgeoning Carson, California-based independent record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Named after CEO and music producer, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, and operated by Tiffith’s cousin Terrence “Punch” Henderson, TDE embraced the outspoken, contemplative prodigy and set the wheels in motion.

Mic Check

Lamar’s 10-year-grind to the top is an ode to living as a pure artist who speaks from the soul, as opposed to today’s insta-digital, social networking, overnight flash-in-the pan types. When building the career of the next hip-hop star, many don’t think of the impact they can have culturally, let alone globally. Making a hit song is usually the focus, dictated by the label’s statistics on what content “should” be financially lucrative. TDE took another approach.

In Lamar’s case, being independent first and building a solid fan base with tracks like “Ignorance Is Bliss,” “A.D.H.D.,” and “Hii Power,” gave him the freedom to rap from the heart, not a corporate account. His first two indie albums, Overly Dedicated (2010) and Section.80 (2011) didn’t boast tremendous sales— in fact the former was available for free online. They did however start a movement. And those who preferred storytelling over just hot hooks or blaring beats followed. Soon this swagged-up Compton kid had executives from Interscope Records, and iconic producer Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young, who signed him, head nodding to a new tune. This edition of JET is on newsstands now.

Rihanna's Newest IG Bikini Shoot

Rihanna posted photos from what appears to be a new photoshoot to her Instagram account.

Rihanna's extensive collection of body art is on full display in the pics, including her most recent tattoo.

At the Grammys, Rihanna won for “Best Contemporary Album“ for Unapologetic. Still no official word on why she was M.I.A.

On a rather cold night in New York City, the Braxton sisters heated up The Empire Hotel’s Rooftop as they hosted Gain‘s launch party for their new product, Gain Flings.

Gain Flings is a new laundry detergent product that makes your clothes smell incredibly amazing. It’s music to your nose, so it’s only right that the Braxton sisters hosted the event. Guests were also treated to a special performance by YouTube sensation Andrew Garcia and one of my Instagram favorites, Hannah Bronfman assisted on the turntables.

On the rooftop, guests, friends of Gain and media types mixed and mingled as they learned about the new product. They also enjoyed two specialty cocktails — the Fresh Remix (Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Blue Curacao, Orange Juice and Sprite) and Music to Your Nose (Citron Vodka, St. Germain, Lemon Juice, Blue Curacao, and Cranberry Juice) — and passed hors d’oeuvres.

Then the Braxton sisters — Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar — introduced their older sister Toni who entertained the crowd with a performance. She only performed two songs, but when Toni sung “Unbreak My Heart” she got the crowd really into it, even going around the room asking people to sing. Of course, I had to get in on the action and thankfully Toni stopped and made my dreams come true as I belted the chorus of “Unbreak My Heart.” It was amazing!

As the night winded down, guests got to take home a Gain giftbag, complete with Gain Fling, Tamar Braxton’s latest album “Love and War” and an iTunes giftcard.

LaLa Anthony Makes The Rounds To Promote Her Relationship Book

Fresh off telling Andy Cohen that she doesn't sex her husband before basketball games, Lala Anthony made several media appearances to promote her new book “The Love Playbook’’ (in stores now). Her first stop was "GMA".

She made an appearance on "New York Live" at RockefellerCenter, NYC.

Photographers also spotted Lala heading into a "Bethenny" taping. Loving all three looks. Cute!

Kanye West Settles Out Of Court: Pays Beat Down Victim Over $250k, But Should He Have?

A new year, new lawsuit time, but not for Kanye West. Last week, we shared that an alleged beat down that went down a little over a two weeks ago, wouldn’t end up in court. TMZ reported that the 18-year-old who Kanye allegedly beat the breaks off in a chiropractor’s waiting room had no interest in going to court.

As reported, Kanye’s fiancee Kim Kardashian claims that the young man began yelling all types of racial slurs. Eye witnesses say that Kanye showed up and unleashed punching him several times. Fast forward to the present day and reportedly, the victim scored a settlement more than $250k. The young man has agreed to the civil settlement and does NOT want to go forward with a criminal prosecution.

Meanwhile, the D.A. has not decided whether to charge Kanye with battery. No official comment has been released from Kanye or Kim’s camp. Do you agree with Kanye’s decision to settle out of court?

Floyd Mayweather Reportedly Bets $10 Million on the Denver Broncos

*Floyd Mayweather has reportedly placed a $10.4 million bet on the Denver Broncos to beat the Seattle Seahawks by more than two points in the Super Bowl – this according to a tweet from the Vegas Gambling Stream.

The post claims that Mayweather had to use seven different agencies, because no one agency would take the entire amount.

“They have a phone number, they call up owners of the sportsbooks they want action at. ‘Put me down for 2 million on Broncos.. It’s Floyd’”

“He has runners to make those baby bets for him. He doesn’t post all his bets especially the big ones #IRS”

Floyd Mayweather is expected to fight Amir Khan in Las Vegas in May 2014.

Ever Wonder What The Members Of Daft Punk Look Like?

Have you ever wondered what the members of Daft Punk look like? Until now I have never wondered what the members of Daft Punk looked like, nor do most techno fans. However after their recent success more people want to know all about Daft Punk including what they look like. Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo have no intention of revealing themselves. But don’t worry I have pictures inside.

\

“We don’t believe in the star system,” says Bangalter, the talkative Daft Punker, “We want the focus to be on the music,” he adds. “If we have to create an image, it must be an artificial image. That combination hides our physicality and also shows our view of the star system. It is not a compromise.”

Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo

Thoughts?.....LOL!

The ATL Celebs Hit The "About Last Night" Screening In ATL

Michael Ealy, Regina Hall and producer Will Packer made their way to Atlanta to show off their new rom-com About Last Night.

They're both serving up major body these days. When you've got plenty of time on your hands, why not spend it keeping those curves tight.

"Fashion Queens" star Derek J hit the carpet.

Terri Vaughn and her husband Karon Riley were there for the screening.

And Will brought his new fiance to the event.

And the cast chatted up the audience about the film beforehand.

About Last Night, also starring Kevin Hart, hits theaters on Valentine's Day.

Preacher Tells K. Michelle To Stay Away From Basketball Players

K. Michelle sat down with a preacher and he gave her some great advice, but you won’t believe who is his grandfather……He descends from a lineage of greatness of gospel truth!

WATCH:

And now His grandfather Rev. X:

LOL!

Evelyn Lozada Announces: ‘Its A BOY!’ Baby Shower Planned

Evelyn Lozada (37) is ready to pop and even more ready to share more news about her exciting pregnancy. the former Basketball Wives reality star confirmed with PEOPLE that she and fiance Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford, are expecting a boy. She shared:

Surprisingly, I found out when I had my first trimester screening. I was about 13 weeks when they told me the sex! I was honestly praying for a boy. I have wanted to have a son for years.

Evelyn and her 20-year-old daughter, Shaniece, are both thrilled on the sex of the newest addition to their family:

We were both so happy. There are all girls on my side, so this will be our first boy. My family is over the moon. Every time I go to the doctor, I have them check to make sure it’s a boy. I’m still in disbelief! Shaniece is just happy that she can still be the princess of the family. Her brother is already her BFF in her head.

The new expecting mother is seven months and is prepping for her upcoming baby shower this weekend. Organized by event planner Diann Valentine, the theme of the shower is ‘diapers and diamonds’. Hosts of the bash include Shaniece, Evelyn’s friend and Basketball Wives cast mate Shaunie O’Neal, her publicist, Danika Berry, and friend Teresa Caldwell (Bow Wow’s mother). According to the site, guests have already received their extravagant, custom shower invitation, an engraved linen Honeycomb shaped museum board with beveled edges adorned with Swarovski crystals. Evelyn has yet to share any potential baby names.

Evelyn and Carl became engaged on Christmas. This will be Evelyn’s second marriage.

Sneak Peek: Riccardo Tisci’s Spring 2014 Nike Design

Givenchy’s Creative Director, Riccardo Tisci has joined forces with Nike this year to re-create the brand’s beloved, Air Force 1 shoe for this upcoming Spring.

Titled ‘Air Force 1 Nike + R.T.’, the collection features the basketball and street-style staple shoe (first released by Nike in 1982) which has been reinterpreted in white and black four different shapes: the Nike + R.T. Air Force 1 Lo, the Nike + R.T. Air Force 1 Mid, the Nike + R.T. Air Force 1 Hi and the Nike + R.T. Air Force 1 Boot.

“The shoe is universal yet somehow very personal. I travel all over the world, and I see people wearing the Air Force 1, and they wear it in so many different ways. And so I was thinking, what is the essence of the Air Force 1? And how do I take that essence and make my own statement?” explained Tisci.

“For me the Air Force 1 is not about gender, it’s not about a particular city, nor is it about a certain style. The community decides. It’s democratic. It’s love,” continued the designer.

The shoes are set to hit stores starting in March. Are you feeling the new look?

Fans of the FX hit show American Horror Story have eagerly been waiting to hear new rumors and word about the upcoming season of the show. Since American Horror Story was renewed for another season, the season four anticipation has left people scouring the web for answers.

Now, we finally have something?

According to a video promo and poster that have surfaced online, it appears that season four of the show could be dubbed American Horror Story: Circus.

The alleged teaser trailer was posted to Horrorbid.

It doesn’t look too valid but watch anyways:

Whether or not the “Circus” rumors and promotions are legitimate remain to be seen, but they are certainly interesting at the very least. If the promos are correct, the show will premiere in October of 2014.

The shows creator, Ryan Murphy, has previously stated his love for Tod Browning’s Freaks, so that could certainly serve as the inspiration behind this season. But he did say this to Yahoo News: that Season 4 of "AHS" will take place in 1950, making it another period piece in the mold of Season 2's "Asylum." And his leading lady is preparing for another award-worthy transformation, he says: "Jessica Lange has already started practicing her German accent."

As for the season's overall theme, "if you look historically what happened in the year 1950, there’s some more clues," he teases. That puts us squarely in post-WWII America, with the Cold War heating up and anti-communist paranoia at its peak. That year, Joseph McCarthy began his Senate hearings aimed at outing covert communists in our midst, and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were indicted for passing nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union.

At this point only time will tell. However back in the 50’s freak circuses were very popular around Europe so we all can stay tuned and see what Ryan and crew have in store for us for the next American Horror story instalment.

As the GRAMMY Awards wrapped on Sunday night, so many were left in disbelief over the show’s snubs. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis dominated this year’s rap categories, while Kendrick Lamar (nominated for seven) went home empty-handed.

India.Arie is sounding off on the issue, addressing not only Kendrick being shut out of the GRAMMYs, but how the black music community in general, is often overlooked:

Kendricklamar WAS robbed, BUT he was not the only one who was robbed. Personally, I was pleased he was able to perform and they KILLED! IT! One of the FEW moving moments of the night for ME.

Though it’s called “Music industries biggest night” the #Grammys are NOT about the music, it’s a popularity contest. The voting process allows people, to vote on name recognition alone – the music industry politics is a whole NUTHER conversation. Too much to go into here.

The American Music Awards is a show that awards sales and popularity – the #Grammys are SAID to be about the music.

If the hip hop community voted on hip hop – r&b COMMUNITY the same – same for each category – we’d see winners that reflect the MUSIC ITSELF. We all know that’s just not the way it goes.

NOW the BIGGER losers, are ALL of black music. Where was the black music community represented in last nights #Grammy show? Performers and Winners (or not) … Where were the black artists?

She also pointed out how the Isley Brothers received Lifetime Achievement Award but it wasn’t televised:

And this isn’t the first time the #Grammy’s has had a show all but excluding young black America and black artists in general, although we set the worlds musical trends. Why NOT televise the lifetime achievement awards of the Isley Brothers? SURELY they deserved to be on televised stage LAST NIGHT! While other artists were on stage TWICE?

She continued saying how it’s no longer a surprise, but it’s not fair to those who are overlooked. And in closing out her letter, she notes that Nelson Mandela was not mentioned once:

The truth is in a perfect world diversity would matter, and respect would be rampant, but the TRUTH is, The #Grammys is a television show, and in THAT world ratings reign supreme. So, in general, bigger names take the stage, and sadly the biggest names often times ARE BIGGER drawn along racial lines from the release of an album. i.e. marketing dollars, and just general support. It’s unfortunate.

I don’t even get surprised any more, but, it still hits my sense of fairness, because I KNOW many of the artists who are overlooked. I LIVE in that world. We keep showing up and subjecting ourselves to the game, hoping MAYBE we’ll win. I was so HAPPY to see @Kendricklamar take that stage – because it is a FORM of winning, at LEAST, he was SEEN.

Speaking of diversity, congratulations to my PERSONAL favorite albums of the year – @I_GregoryPorter #LiquidSpirit @Realsnarkypuppy and @lalahhathaway on your win and THANK YOU! @pharrell for acting RIGHT in the presence of the greatness that is @Nilerodgers and #StevieWonder

Love to all #SoulBirdsWorldWide

@IndiaArie

P.S. No mention of Nelson Mandela at ALL? … and THIS is why we NEED the Image Awards AND the BET awards.

Following the show, K-Dot received some encouraging words from Jay Z and Ty Ty.